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THEFALLOFTOLLAN 

BY 

JAMES EDWARD ROUTH, JR. 




ARTl€tV€RITATl; 



Boston: Richard G. Badger 
The Gorham Press 
1905 



Copyright 1905 by James Edward Routh, Jr, 
All rights reserved 






/ ;l74 « 
1 uuVv o. 



'PS 3 3-3 r 



Printed at 

The Gorham Press, 

Boston, U.S.A. 



At times we dream, when softly flows the day ; 
And, dreaming, come dim visions of the past, 
As when the witch's mirror, held aloft, 
Shows flitting figures that anon do nod 
And beckon us with mystery, and then 
Are gone; thus would I hold your fleeting 

thought 
One storied moment, while that kings of yore 
Rise up in phantom state, or princesses, 
Begarlanded with flowers, with raven hair 
That drooping wondrously o'er chiselled arms 
Is caught with gold and glitters in the sun ; 
Or while the splendid pomp of savage men 
Sweeps by with flare of jewel, trail of dust; 
Or naked bards touch light their golden harps 
To hymn the music of a hero's deeds: 
For this one moment would I hold your thought. 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 



I 

Great Tollan lay beneath the southern sun, 
Fortress of Aztec and of Maya folk, 
With houses tall within and sculptured o'er 
In mystic sign of sun and moon and god. 
So sang the bard, all ere the Spaniard came, 
Lamenting then great Tollan in his song. 
The walls of Tollan were of carven stone 
Pierced with gates of bronze, that now flung 

wide 
Their massive valves when down the shining 

road 
Came merchants rich and trains of naked slaves 
Brown hued and laden down 'neath treasured 

gold, 
Or haughty princes with fierce feathered helms 
And bands of warriors painted to the eyes, 
Or now perchance some princess and her guard 
And quick attending slaves, slim serving maids. 
With sandalled feet and wrapped in feathered 

robes 
Plucked from the silk-soft wings of Quechol 

birds. 
Within the gate lay broad a market square 
Bespread with wares and loud with chattering 

folk. 
Swart peasant women selling strings of beads, 
Briny fishmongers bearing fish fresh caught, 
Turbot and trout and silvered mackerel 
5 



6 THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

Brought brimming from the distant sea to load 
The feasts of nobles; here, luxurious wares 
Of cloth of gold ; here, jars of Maguey wine 
Or fiery pulque; there, rich spices strewn 
In baskets, lading all the air with sweet; 
While round them waved the palms, stood thorny 

plants 
In prickly gardens, and the glowing sun 
Splashed color over all with lavish brush. 

But on a certain mellow April day, 
When perfumed breezes from the gulf did touch 
The robes of men with motion, lap soft stuffs 
Round maiden forms, and wave the specJtral 

palms ; 
The throng was thicker than e'er day before. 
Like rivulets on flooded meadows here 
It murmured soft ; and then it eddying turned 
To harsher clamor or to jocund mirth. 
Then flowed again in ripples never-ceasing; 
Until at last the motion one way set. 
The chatterers with hot, bright-eyed accord 
Turned toward the gate, and hasty warnings 

ran: 
"Behold! A cloud i' the road r "Ha! Yonder 

dust 
His warriors' feet presages." "Foolish man, 
'Tis but his courier come swift-footed hence 
With hot dispatches ; hold, what is't he saith ? 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 7 

"The king close follows." "Good!" "His vic- 
tories won — " 

"Hollo! Hollo!" "Nay, stay, the man doth 
speak" 

"Hath struck the Tlascalans from their proud 
seats, 

Abased their lords, and now doth homeward 
come 

With twice ten thousand captives and a store 

Of treasure that shall strew the streets with 
gems." 

"Hurray, hollo, hollo, great is our prince — " 

"Long live great Quetzal, fling your caps in air." 

So shouted loud the folk ; but on one side 
Beneath the trees withdrew a listening group, 
That waited on the words of some who told 
The awesome echoed tales of Quetzal^s birth 
And spoke opinions o'er disputed points: 
"Methinks the stuff is false," said one, "he is 
Some rash adventurer of word and blow" ; 
"In form but man," another cried; but then 
A city father swoln with civic pride 
Flung up his robe with snug complacency 
Across a shoulder and spoke solemnly: 
"It is not known, the great king's lordly birth, 
The dignity and circumstances that fell 
Upon his infant couch, but I surmise 
He is a god, for is not Tollan worth, 



8' THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

Great Tollan, in which live we, worth thought 

And deep solicitude of any god 
Besides which I have heard, but vaguely so, 
Some rash tradition spoken of his birth, 
Which I, a man of commerce and affairs, 
But scantly heard and scantly understood — " 
"Good sir, I heard your words," another came, 
An ancient man with snowy hair and face 
Drawn tight in wrinkles, but with steely eye 
That glittered now, now dreamed as o'er the 

past. 
"Ha, noble Cheztli, welcome," said the first, 
"Your words are wisest, and your counsel 

learned ; 
And sagely speaks the keeper of our archives 
With old tradition and with ancient lore. 
They tell us you can scent the radiations 
Of unmined jewels, hear the heavens sing, 
Or talk with beasts ; oh, wisest learned man. 
Canst tell us aught of Quetzal, of his birth? 
You say — " "That Quetzal, worthy Izhuayo, 
Was born of strangest birth"; the gray-haired 

man 
Dropped his voice to darksome whispered tones, 
The while a shadow fled across the sun 
And overhead the trees waved spectral arms. 
He said, and spoke in whispers, glancing round, 
As one of state who has deep themes to tell : 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 9 

"It came to me from old Manezco's lips, 
My worthy compeer's, who in turn did hear 
The thing I tell you from two aged crones. 
They, casting back dishevelled locks, he said. 
Glared hard with fiery eyes through all this veil 
Of sense and shallow knowledge of the world 
That cloaks our grosser vision. This they spoke : 
Tonaca, lord of all, upon a day 
Brooded above a much despiteful land 
And in the midst saw ToUan grim, the abode 
Of gray, unhappy sin and ignorance. 
Held then in griding chains of customs old 
Forged by privilege and prejudice, that reared 
Harsh clutching fingers o'er the patient folk. 
Tonaca saw and sighed ; then in a stroke 
Of wild midsummer lightning came to earth, 
Took airy shape, as when the western cloud 
Draws up in fiery figures 'cross the sun ; 
So seemed the god ; about him gleamed the lights 
Of glowing sunsets, and within his eyes 
Burned benignity ; three maidens sat 
Beneath a cypress tree, beheld the light. 
And fell in rapt, adoring wonder prone. 
Then spoke the god — his voice was as the wind — 
'Chimalman, maiden spotless from thy womb 
There comes a monarch that will rule the realm 
Of Mexico to draw its wanton heart 
Again to me' ; and then he breathed on her. 
And then was gone, and dusk fell on the earth- 



lo THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

Within the maiden's womb the child grew strong. 
His later life was simple ; in the deep 
Recesses of the forest glens where serpents 
Lurk from the sun, and hidden jungle folk 
With savage wisdom lead stern, silent lives, 
There lived the boy, and Quetzal was his name. 
Leaping among the trees he flung his darts, 
Grew lusty with the savagery about. 
Until at last the god-like in his soul 
Pricked him with nameless passion to the town. 
He came, and at his burning,, eager words 
The people scoffed ; but men his wisdom praised. 
And women praised his beauty ; sci at last 
He is a king; now 'neath his sway the state 
Bends low in proud benevolence; but some 
Are there that hate him, sullen cynic men.' " 
The old man paused; about him surged the 

crowd 
In never ending murmur as a chorus 
That chanted all the music to his tale. 

And then he ran his skinny fingers through 
His snowy locks and shook them ominously: 
"Great Quetzal reigns/' he said, **but changing 

guise. 
Spirits of darkness e'er dark harms devise; 
For the all-father, high Tonaca, spoke — 
So ran the legend of the witches' words — 
Unto the god of darkness, who straightway, 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN ii 

Lest man should be all blessed, took a shape, 
Tezca you call him." One turned on his heel: 
"Our noble lord? Stuff! Stuff! A beldam's 

tale! 
Our prince of ToUan ?"— "Aye, a prince of 

ToUan, 
And a prince of sin; great Quetzal dreams, 
And Tezca wakes him, curses all his dreams, 
Scoffs at his fond imagining, and brings 
Too oft through satire and unkindest malice 
His hopes to commonplace ; thus Tezca plucks 
The colors from his rainbows, tears his clouds 
To shreds of tawdry vapor, and doth turn 
All things to mockery and to bitter dust." 
The old man ceased; the others, in their eyes 
A look of wonder dimly understood, 
Gazed all toward the portals, which no longer 
Appeared but gates of stone and metal wrought, 
But now were temple doors through which the 

gods 
Would forthwith come to sacrifice and hold 
Supernal rites above the fates of men. 

Another broke the silence and the awe 
And said, " Tis true this Tezca drunken throngs 
Of desecrators leads and makes to sound 
The city with his brilliancy of witty 
But ribald satire, sneering scornful mirth. 
When Quetzal builds a garden for the folk, 



12 THE FALL OF TOLLAN^ 

And fills it with the jessamine, and here 
Leaves a cold streamlet, there, a distant sight 
Of dim blue mountains dreaming in their niist, 
Or when he builds a temple on the hills, 
Where winds may waft the smoke of flowery fire 
To the high heavens; then Tezca with his rout 
Fills all their bounds with wanton priestesses 
And harlotry and drunkenness, and jests, 
Saying that Quetzal is a useful man 
To guard the people, rule the land, and set 
Soft comforts for flushed follies of their days.'* 
"And yet a noble man," another said, 
"This Tezca is, of princely mien and manner; 
The people love him" — "Stay," the old man said, 
"Do not our prophets say that gods of darkness 
With lightsome glows of wit pave all their ways. 
Ensnare with brilliancy, as doth that gloom 
That creeps at nightfall 'cross the wearied earth 
And leads the way into its dusky realm 
With painted softnesses of twilight glow ; 
So doth this Tezca." "Ho, old man, you 

dream," 
The other hotly spoke; but Cheztli sighed: 
"Fate will it so" ; but drowned v/ere his words 
All suddenly in mighty voiced acclaim. 
As through the throng ran rumors of approach 
Of Quetzal's guard, and down the dusty road 
Peered every waiting eye with eager look. 



II 

Meanwhile that in the market square the 

throng 
Attended Quetzal's coming, had the courtiers 
Of Tezca's train with apprehension gathered 
Within their leader's figured palace gate. 
Before them lay a feast spread out, the while 
Servants brought wine in bowls of beaten silver. 
But heartless sat the band, and in their eyes 
Lay dark premeditation unexpressed, 
Till Tezca, drinking deep draughts from a bowl, 
Laughed cruelly: "Methinks I have wherewith 
To cow this upstart mad reformer's zeal ; 
'Tis he would cut our revels short; 'tis he 
Would kill sweet songs and sap the pleasant 

hours 
Of careless joy that passes idle days; 
Would make us model citizens, forsooth, 
Talking of mending roads, improving drains, 
Or what the farmer should in spring-time plant, 
Or whether June-flies injure growing maize; 
And then we should sit at his councils dreary, 
To yawn while Cheztli talks of musty stuff. 
Of ancient precedents and mouldered tales. 
Of customs that two hundred years ago 
Our forebears wiser flung away as dull; 
Or listen there to give a glad assent. 
While droning councillors prose on of laws 
To curb all wanton and all lawless joys. 
13 



14 THE FALL OF TOLLAN / 

Go, if you will, await upon this folly." 

He drank once more, then spoke in rising tones : 
''Your health, proud princes of a warrior land, 
Daring for doughty war or worthy death, 
Such as become the warrior's pride of caste. 
And doom to this mad upstart man that makes 
Our ancient play of spears affairs of trade. 
Wielding his wars with gold, that captive states 
May yield him revenue instead of glory. 
No more the human sacrifice cries out 
To honor Huitzil, no more the ancient feasts, 
No more the sturdy bloodshed that could try 
The hearts of men and temper them like blades, 
No more the old free life of glorious war, 
I greet you, smug, sleek fellow citizens." 

Ireful Prince Tezca from his rage was silent 
A moody moment; "Titla," then he called, 
"Come, pretty Titla" ; forth a dainty maid, 
A slave from out the household, timidly 
Drew nigh, and bent before her lord, and kissed 
His finger tips; then, like some tender flower 
That's bowed beneath a passing breeze, she 

kneeled, 
'Till Tezca raised her and, with voice full kindly, 
That cloaked his cruel meaning, slowly spoke: 
"You love me, Titla." "Yea, my lord." "Then go 
Straight to great Quetzal's presence ; speak for me 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 15 

That Tecza sends his greetings and would come, 
With knee full fraught with homage, but a fever, 
A trifling matter bred within the marshes, 
Retains his much unwilling foot, which else 
Should grace this mighty triumph; tell him, 

therefore, 
I send a pretty maid to while his hours 
In peacefulness after the strains of war. 
Upon this night the court holds revel high 
With feast and dance and proud, triumphant song ; 
There do you chant, you have a gentle voice. 
To Quetzal's ear some dainty lays of love; 
And then, when from the flower-wreathed bowl 

he's drunk. 
Entice him soft with all your wanton wiles ; 
Then, when he is enamored, strike with this." 
The prince snatched forth a jewelled copper 

blade. 
A courtier gave exclaim ; he motioned quiet. 
"And then," he said, *'the lead wolf's power laid 

low, 
We'll fall upon the pack with fighting men 
Drawn from the discontented and will strike 
Annihilation to his warriors, 
A childish play, this mystic leader low." 

He ceased, and all were silent; from without 
The jessamine wreathed doorway through the 
warm 



,l6 THE FALL OF TOLLAN ' 

And mellow light came mellow, droning sounds 
Of bee and wild-bird notes but faintly heard 
Mingled with far off murmurs of the crowd. 
Then sharp from out the crystal distance rang 
A distant shout across the sea of light. 
And "Quetzal's come," said Tezca with a laugh 
Of bitter mockery, "now, little Titla, go." 



Ill 

Along the sun-kissed byways Titla ran 
Listening, as clamors of the distant crowd 
First murmuring, grew, then like full organ notes 
Reverberated; then before her feet 
Lay spread the market place and in the throng 
She stood, as when a reed 'mid thousand reeds 
Sways back and forth within the ripples' flow. 
Scarce had she paused, when from the waiting 

gates 
There came the voice of music, throbs of drums, 
And clash of spears, and tread of warriors' feet. 
Madly the people shouted, flung their robes 
Above them, crying, "Live our lord, the king!" 

Then o'er them fell a hush of anxious awe, 
As through the gate the war-worn warriors 

came. 
And eager women scanned their every face 
For husband, father, lover, brother, son. 
And now a woman rushed from out the crowd 
To fling herself with laughing tears upon 
A stalwart form and kiss the dust-stained face. 
And here another looked with staring eyes 
For one that came not ; here, with tortured voice, 
A gray-haired father touched on every arm 
Querying for news of one, his only son, 
Who slumbered deep o'er many a distant hill, 
A spear of Tlascala within his breast. 
17 



i8 THE FALL OF TOLLA^T 

And then the music clashed, as through the gate 
Came Quetzal's guard with battered helms of 

gold 
And dusty jewelled cloaks across their shoulders, 
While sounded mighty shouts, that mingled with 
The cries of women and the roar of drums. 
Then Quetzal came; about his lofty form 
His broidered robe was flung full sombrely, 
Besmeared with dust and stained with works of 

war, 
But in his stern eyes shone a kindly will 
And deep beneficence, as though of one 
Who loved his people, stirred their natures deeply, 
Decried their sins, but at their follies smiled. 
And, as he walked, the people gently pressed 
To touch his robes, and 'fore his coming steps 
They scattered scarlet blossoms o'er the road. 

Then, as he walked there came from out the 
crowd 
The notables of state, who swayed the realm, 
When 'neath some alien sky he waged his wars, 
Among them Cheztli, keeper of the books, 
And Xayacatl, lord of Tehuan ; 
And with them came a youth of gentle mien, 
Fresh as the rain upon a summer leaf; 
Xochitl was his name, which means a flower, 
For of the warriors there he was the fairest. 
Bowed all then low before the conqueror. 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 19 

Who gave them gracious word of welcome all: 
*'My noble Xayacatl, this doth make 
My heart more high than conquest of the wars, 
For peaceful state at home by you maintained 
Is worth a hundred blood-besprinkled lands; 
And, sweet Xochitl, walk beside me here. 
The dearest of the younger of my train; 
But you, oh sagest Cheztli, what can I 
Of honors grant for one so steeped in lore 
And knowledge of the scornmg of the world ; 
So, grave philosopher, the most of all 
Shall now be yours, to let you be yourself; 
But, lest this seem too cold a recompense, 
I'll add to it the tribute of a town. 
That your gray age may have the power of gold 
To supplement the golden state of wisdom 
With wisdom that comes from the use of gold. 
But where is Tezca; ah, what one comes here? 
A pretty maid." "A slave of Tezca's 'tis, 
My lord, whom oft I've seen when idly feasting 
Within her master's doors." Forth Titla came 
And flung herself with mock obsequious praise 
Before the conqueror's feet: "I come, my lord. 
Raining down praises for my lord the king; 
For with my master's loyal word on lip 
I dare appear." ''What is't?" "Lord Tezca 

sends 
Myself, his humble slave, and doth entreat 
That you o'erlook the seeming rash neglect 



20 THE FALL OF TOLLAN/ 

For that he comes not hither ; for, great my lord. 
Fond Tezca loyal spoke your noble name 
With loving lips, which only fevered pulse 
Harshly restrains, that he tell not himself 
The excellence of all his love for thee; 
But; kind my lord, you will forgive a maid, 
If modest lips may frame some words of love. 
For now my master sends me that I sing 
And while your lightsome moments, as a gift 
From him in fact, but yet a joyful gift 
To come within the power of such a lord." 
"Prince Tezca ill? I would the rather have 
His lips pronounce allegiance, though he send 
His duty by so sweet a messenger; 
Go to the palace, wait my coming there." 

"My lord — 'twas Cheztli spoke — "grant me a 

word, 
ril walk beside close that the shouting folk 
O'erhear me not, for counsel grave I would 
In knowledge whisper ; beware of this prince 

Tezca ! 
He is a darksome man and more, I fear, 
A treacherous that doth spread the way of blows 
With flowers of love such as this Titla here ; 
Beware, my lord !" "Ho, Cheztli, now you dote." 
"It is not doting, for that I have read, 
Within the ancient chronicles of the realm. 
That in this year the lord of sin will come; 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 21 

And for insignia, so the legend saith, 
He bears a wreath of flowrets, and will be 
A jovial prince that leads the folk with fun, 
Capturing the gentle hours of sober thought 
And painting them in hues of wantonness. 
Doth not Lord Tezca this ; and hath he not 
Spread out his beauteous webs across the sun 
To catch the gilded, pleasure-loving flies 
That buzz about us here and here and here. 
Nay, one word more, my liege, have I not seen 
The people follow in his footstep's train. 
And heard them shout for Tezca, you away? 
Have I not heard them call to him to rule 
For pleasure's sake and scoff your sombre 

throne ? 
The wild birds sing, the forests flower, and so 
The people shout for blissful, pretty joys 
That have no future thoughts, or harsh re- 
straints, 
Or wisdom such as lies within the poets 
Or lies within your counsels grave, oh Quetzal.'* 
The king was silent ; o'er his puzzled brow 
Flew shadows as of passing, lowering clouds, 
But then were gone; and 'round him cried the 

folk 
"Long live great Quetzal, who hath made us 
rich!" 
And so they came unto the palace gate, 



22 THE FALL OF TOLLAN , 

Where Quetzal turned and raised his hand to 

speak, 
While 'fore him bowed all heads, as though he 

blessed 
With mystic signs of priesthood ; in his face 
A look of tender pity and of joy 
Spread into flashes then of radiant rapture, 
As solemnly he spoke: ''My loving people, 
Cry not for me, but for Tonaca's name. 
The Lord of all hath sent two spirits forth, 
The spirit of sin, that doth dark harms devise, 
And for redemption, one prophetic voice, 
That rings now for a time above your councils. 
Pleading for virtue and stern, manly strength ; 
Thus have I led you as a king of earth ; 
But fate strides on, bearing the hour when I 
Shall hence to Tlallapan beyond the sunrise ; 
Be warned, oh men of Tollan, as you guide 
Your steps in unknown mists across the world. 
To great Tonaca now I do commend you." 
And then within the shadowed palace gate 
He vanished, and it seemed as though the sun 
Had veiled its face, and gloom was o'er the folk. 

Then lingered nameless pause, as men did ask 
"What meant his mystic words? Was it a man 
Or god that spoke? but Cheztli smiled in sad- 
ness, 
As one of ancient lore, deep read in ways 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 23 

Of gods and men, who's caught the planets' 

song, 
Has known in all the footsteps of Tonaca, 
And sadly sees the veiled ways of fate. 



Then o'er the people ran a murmur loud, 
As when a calm and stilly summer's day 
Bursts into motion of a coming storm, 
And sighing winds rush through the muttering air. 
Then 'Tezca!" cried some one, and sharp the 

name 
Flew loudly on from lip to thoughtless lip: 
"Let Tezca speak ; him we may understand ; 
He is a jovial friend of jovial men, 
And yet a wise withal; perchance he can 
To our dim thoughts clear up these mystic words 
And be interpreter unto our minds 
Of all the speech of this strange prophet here. 
This Quetzal, loving lord of misty dream, 
Doth soar above us quite; him we adore; 
But Tezca 'tis, of all our noble prmces, 
We best can hear and intimately know." 
Thus did the fickle spirit that overrules 
The populace turn now to Quetzal's feet, 
Proclaim him lord, and, with the dearest homage. 
Swear everlasting vows, as doth a boy 
Before some spring day mistress, vows like air. 
Sworn out with breath of rosy sunset cloud 



24 THE FALL OF TOLLAN ' 

That melts in minutes; now the parting crowd, 
Released from the chains of Quetzal's glance, 
Cried out for Tezca, praised his genial soul. 

Meanwhile from out his flowered palace door 
Prince Tezca stepped, alone, but royally 
Attired he was, with colors most unlike 
To Quetzal's sombre robing; 'round his brow 
Shone emeralds set in golden bands, and o'er 
His graceful shoulders hung full rich a robe 
Of scarlet feathers and green broidered beads. 
Across his features spread a gladsome smile. 
As of a man who greets his dearest friend. 
So Tezca came, alone, admired of few, 
But liked of all with wanton love, that from 
The laughing, careless, thoughtless nature springs. 

The scattering crowd him saw, and forthwith 

rang 
A mighty cry, as when light revellers 
Greet well some jovial, joking, tippling soul. 
Around him flowed the crowd ; he raised his hand. 
And all were silent; then he gently spoke: 
"My loving people, you who love the light, 
I greet your joyous hearts ; may you live long, 
Love much, dance very much, and live to learn 
That all deep wisdom is a shallow thing, 
About as deep as one small silver cup 
That holds your pulque draught ; doth he not sing 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 25 

That sings our songs, that all the joys of life 
Are but as jessamine blossoms, fragrant now. 
To-morrow grown to drying seeds and gray, 
As morning dew that sparkles in the blossom. 
Until the morning sun hath sipped it up. 
So now be glad ; I greet your gladsome faces" ; 
And then the cry went up once more for Teixa. 
Again he spoke: "My jovial people, here 
You tread a lightsome land, the sun is bright, 
The very birds laugh forth your joys with you ; 
But ominous the sky hath bred a cloud, 
A little cloud with sombre wisdom fraught 
And strange, harsh abnegations that would wring 
Your hearts with sorrowing, doleful meditations, 
Blotting the sweet from all your jovial lives. 
Leaving to you but husks of virtue cold. 
Must I needs tell forth my disloyal thoughts. 
Point out their grudge with these new founded 

laws 
That strike at dainty pleasure and would make 
Our youths gray-haired philosophers that 

mumble 
The droning laws of logic and the virtues? 
Must I needs speak it plain, I am disloyal? 
When Quetzal came, a fever racked my frame; 
'Twas but the fever of a righteous rage 
O'er aJl this woman's stuff of reformation; 
My feet delayed to rush unto his triumph ; 
'Twas but because I would thus speak to you 



26 THE FALL OF TOLLAN / 

In frankest discontent ; I Iiave not bowed 
'Fore Quetzal's foolish laws; good loyal folk, 
Enshrined in your love, I can defy them." 
One moment then he paused with anxious eye, 
That roamed the crowd for any hostile face. 
Then cried a voice again "Long live great 

Tezca!" 
Forthwith the fiickle people caught the fancy; 
The air resounded "Tezca" ; then again 
He spoke in daring accents: "List, my friends, 
Upon this night at ease doth Quetzal banquet; 
While thus he feasts I forth from out his 

presence 
Will come, will meet you here; be gathered all, 
Ready to rise in pride of Toltec men. 
And make you masters o'er this upstart king. 
And rule your land ; myself will lead your host." 

Then quickly went he from the crowd, while some 
Eagerly followed and the others broke 
In nervous, talking knots of men and walked 
Home with hot thoughts; so quick the buzzing 

street 
Lapsed back to quiet, while in the glowing west 
The sun proclaimed the coming hour of dusk. 
When sounds are hushed and from her veil of 

light 
The timid evening star trips softly forth, 
Heralding silence to the dreaming world. 



IV 

The royal palace of King Quetzal shone 
Upon the festal night with myriad lights ; 
Tall brazen cressets blazed, and torches, held 
In silver sconces; aloft upon the towers 
There gleamed the flickering lights of sacrifice, 
As white robed vestals flung the jessamine 

blooms 
Upon the altars ; far below them lay 
The garden, spread with gray lights of the moon, 
Wherefrom came tinkling sounds of stringed 

music. 
And girlish voice of song, and rippling laugh. 

And there adown one moonlit gravelled path, 
Where rose vines flung their flowered arms on 

high. 
And Hlies tall leaned o'er the garden walk 
To kiss the passing hands with perfumed breath. 
Where the hibiscus, like a passioned fire. 
Flamed out across the way, and waxen petals 
Of snowy Cereus, the lover's flower. 
That blooms by starlight, spread amidst their 

thorns, 
There Titla walked, slowly, with eyes downcast; 
Her lithesome form, clasped hands, and down- 
turned face 
Were like a dim seen vision ; by her side 
Was Princess Toca, youngest of the blood 
27 



28 THE FALL OF TOLLAN / 

Of ancient Tollan, who, in sign of birth, 
Wore a rich jewelled robe of broidered gold 
And golden beaded sandals ;, in her hair 
Lay wreathed scarlet blossoms and bright gems. 
And, as she idly strolled, one hand reached forth 
To stroke dejected Titla's hair, and thus 
She spoke in gentle tones : "Oh little girl. 
Speak forth your frailsome heart into my ear ; 
The flower that hears the love song of the bee 
Shall never be more secret than my lips." 
But Titla sighed, as maidens sigh for love. 
"Is't love, sweet girl, perchance kind help may lie 
With me to give." 'T cannot tell, fair princess." 
"Ah, then, perchance, 'tis Quetzal that you love, 
For all our maids do cast a wistful look 
Upon his hero's form ; nay, do not sigh. 
The western wind blows from the love-lorn sky, 
And then is gone ; so love doth pass us by." 
And then she sang, as one may thoughtless sing : 

Love blows out of the western sky; 
Evening stars, with their soft reply, 
Sing love, love, love. 

Maiden hearts, with a sweetest throb, 
Whisper songs in the rose bud's ear, 
Low with a smile that's half a tear. 

Laughing thought that is half a sob, 
'Tis love, love, love. 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 29 

Winds blow out, and the clouds go by, 
Maiden murmurs that sigh and sigh 
Blow away to the clouds and die ; 
Only the rose bud memories cry 
'Twas love, love, love. 

With silvery laugh the princess plucked a rose 
And twined it in the silent maiden's hair: 
"But now, in truth, oh pretty Titla mine, 
Doth Quetzal hold your soul ?" but Titla wept ; 
But then with warmer confidence, begot 
Of touch of sympathy from kindly hands, 
She fell upon her knees and sobbed her words : 

"I ne'er had soul to love, oh sweetest princess, 
Until this day : I've been a chattel thing, 
A slave of Tezca, bred to do his will. 
But ere this morning's sun had marked an hour, 
That I had been within the palace gate. 
Came insight, when, upon a garden path. 
With thoughts of colors that lips may not tell, 
I drearily walked; there, on one leafy side. 
The roses rustled, parted, and before 
My frightened gaze stood still a slender youth 
Like to a god, and in his gentle eyes 
Beamed joy to see me, as he spoke me soft ; 
And I, that fain would flee but longed to stay. 
Trembled with sweetest pain; he spoke his 
name — 



30 THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

Xochitl 'twas, and smiled with kindly eyes ; 
And so for one long moment stood I there. 
And then I fled, for love seized on my heart. 
'Twas thus, oh princess, that a stirring sweet 
Burst forth in bloom within my arid soul, 
Like cactus blossoms on a desert hill 
Beset with cruel spines, a thought that 'midst 
The thorny ways of my unfruitful life 
Budded the flower of love ; and love's sweet 

scent 
Lay o'er the garden path where roses bloomed." 

Very gently and soft the princess' hand 
Smoothed the black locks and, with a gentle 

touch. 
Quieted the perturbed spirit, while around 
Them lay the whispering night in flowery sweet- 
ness. 
"Oh pretty one," she said, 'T would that Tezca, 
Sinister with his might, could not o'erawe 
Your fragile self, that, like the rose-bush here, 
Grows hard with pruning ; yet it cannot be — 
But list ! I hear one calling : Titla, Titla, come !' 
Methinks 'tis Tezca's voice." Titla shrunk 

back; 
Then straight her face grew harsh and strange- 
ly cold, 
As, with a parting curtsy to the princess, 
She passed along the dim-lit garden path 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 31 

And came to Tezca, bowed obsequious homage, 
And stood before him still : "I come, my lord." 

He peered into her face with eyes that strove 
To pierce the armored refuge of her heart : 
"Do not forget—" "Oh no, my lord—" "For 

now 
I go to jest at Quetzal's banquetmg; 
Remember, when the moon has reached his run, 
That you appear, seductive with soft wiles, 
To ravish him with song, when he has drunken." 
"I will, my lord;" then boldly spurred by 

dreams 
That love makes crafty: "May a slave, my lord, 
Beg favors for her dear obedience ?" 
He watched her doubtingly ; again she cried 
"One single one, my lord," and clutched his robe. 
And, hair flung back and eyes appealing wildly, 
Spoke hastily in passionate whispers hoarse: 
"But this one favor, my lord, a little one — " 
"Be short, what would you, Titla, now?" "The 

life. 
When you will slay the followers of Quetzal, 
Of one I beg, implore, my recompense 
And favor at your hands for all my deeds.*' 
Jovial almost, indulgently he smiled, 
A crafty, dim, and dangerous, basilisk smile : 
"Some foolish love affair, I see; oh well, 
'Tis granted, Titla : whoso'er you name 



32 THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

Shall live but Quetzal ; yet bethink you now 

Of sterner work, and in the action know 

If shirking impulse move you, this grim hand, 

Caressing so, can bear a cruel grasp 

For who may cross its purpose." Then he 

went; 
And Titla chanted to the v/ind a song 
That sprung unaided to impassioned lips : 



The king proud shall I kill 
For sweet Xochitl's sake. 
Destruction comes, oh statesman, 
As death to all with doom. 
When warriors have warred, 
The wolves o'er ToUan wild 
Will howl ; the fields all hoary 
The sun will score and scorch ; 
And maidens then will moan, 
Lament the warriors mighty. 
But one w^ill yet be ivorthy, 
A flower of all the flock, 
To live when ToUan's low ; 
For him I love with longing 
That passeth all the passion 
Of women. Kings will wail ; 
But love forever lives, 
And I love sweet Xochitl. 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 33 

II 

The king proud shall I kill, 

The war- wolf with his wisdom. 

The vultures then will visit 

This land where Tollan lay ; 

And beasts and briary bushes 

Will revel o'er the ruins 

Where Quetzal and his queens 

Sing jokes no more for joy. 

Lament, oh men of Tollan ! 

And wring your hands, oh revellers ! 

Your joys and jesting vanish, 

Your songs and dancing cease ; 

But whom I love will live, 

For I love sweet Xochitl. 

She ceased, and through the rustling fronds of 

palms 
There ran a hoarse wind murmur of reply. 
As though the garden sighed, and wailed, and 

wept. 

Then low from out the muttering night came 

back 
A sound of tinkled strings and manly voice, 
And Titla trembling stood with muscles tense, 
As through the leaves was wafted plaintive 

song: 



34 THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

Above the trees the wood thrush cries, 
The mocking bird all night doth sing, 

When nature laughs for love and tries 
The sighing harp of poet spring; 

Yet I but weep with sorrowing tone 

And can but murmur, and alone. 

I cannot sing the thrush's songs, 
My heart is full of sombre lays, 

And dreary sadness, cloudy wrongs. 

Go sorrowing through the lonesome days ; 

Oh, where the wild waste wind hath blown, 
There would I sing, and sing alone. 

Or where the whippoorwills complain 
In songs of darkness melancholy, 

I'd fling my heart to her disdain 
To tune this bitter lovesick folly ; 

For I but sing in piteous moan ; 
I can but weep, and weep alone. 

As through the air died out th^ echoing notes, 
There came a quick step on the gravelled walk, 
And 'fore the frightened Titla stood Xochitl : 

"Sweet maid, sweet bird^ oh fly not from my 

sight ; 
I'm not a wolf or ravening beast of prey ; 
I am a painter, and I would but catch 
The shadowings and lights of love that play 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 35 

Beneath your downcast eyes." "A painter, sir? 
Methought you were a plumed bird that sung 
Within the flowery wood." "Oh ho, sweet maid, 
A coy maid and full quick ! I do but paint 
The sounds of colors with the brush of song ; 
But now I'd rather paint the shades of eyes 
In laughing colors set with moonlight beams, 
To put within the gallery of my fancy." 
''May one, good sir, look on your pictures then?" 
"No, no, sweet girl ; your v/it misleads your love ; 
I do but paint in stuff of cobweb dreams 
With sweet imaginings and graceful visions; 
But now is set within my painter's eye 
A lovely maid, called Titla ; for I love 
Beauty and love and you, oh queen of blossoms ; 
Have loved you from the time you fled my 

steps. 
Yea, Titla, all the passion of my heart 
Is ravished by your eyes that gleam in wonder 
Like solemn thoughts from out translucent 

souls. 
I love you, Titla; by the Cereus here, 
That lives and blooms for love, I love you 

truly ; 
My soul doth, like the sombre robe of night, 
Encompass you, until the world and these. 
The flowery perfumes, in one robe are wrapped, 
And that the robe of passioned night and love. 
Oh Titla, but a word ;" but Titla hid 



S6 THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

Her head within her sheltering arms for fear. 
Hotly Xochitl round her broidered waist 
Flung one strong arm and crushed her to his 

side, 
Dishevelled all the loosened hair with kisses, 
And drank the passioned springs of love-bright 

eyes. 
And so they slowly wandered through the roses ; 
And love was king; and nature hymned his 

praise. 



The banquet hall of Quetzal shone with torches 
About the carved stone walls; and jessamine 

sprays, 
Mingled with buds of roses, wreathed the doors, 
Spreading around on every gentle breeze 
Chastest of perfumes faint; amid the hall 
Were boards of ebony, like polished dusk. 
Whereon lay spread the banquet feast ; beside 
Stood Xayacatl, giving word to slaves, 
Who, bright with feathered robes and glittering 

beads. 
Darted about, swift-footed, silent, graceful. 

From out the door came forth the roll of voices 

With sonorous word and laugh of lighter greet- 
ing, 

As Quetzal came with courtiers to the hall. 

First came the king, and by him walked Prince 
Tezca, 

Feeding his ear with froth of honeyed speech 

And oily words of plausive flattery. 

Them following came the princes in deep con- 
verse. 

And all about the festive centre sat, 

Some serious, some sad, some smug and pompous, 

Some folly stricken, some with crafty eyes; 

But over all the fingers of state cares 
37 



38 THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

Had drawn stern looks, and over warrior faces, 
The grim restrained cast of warrior miens. 
Then after came the princesses of Tollan, 
Stately in step with proud, submissive carriage. 
Radiant with broidery and soft glowing gems. 
That clasped their hair, their belts, their tiny 

sandals 
And gleamed in proud insignia on their breasts. 
Then all were seated and the slaves like flashes 
Of radiant-plumed birds appeared and vanished, 
Bearing upon their shoulders swart great bowls 
Of checkered clay, smoking with forest game. 
And figured silver flagons, in which foamed 
Brown beaten chocolate and Maguey wine. 

Awhile all spoke in lightsome voices ; then, 
As Tezca sat, he leaned toward the king 
And said with artful, modulated voice 
"Oh, great my lord, what honor in this 

triumph. 
What gifts of gods to one of all most godly ; 
The people praise your name, and we, your ser- 
vants, 
Bend low in adoration of your virtues." 
To which the king, "Your words make joy, oh 

prince ; 
But doubled joy, to see your sickness banished,. 
Completes the fullness of a happy triumph." 
On speech another courtier seized and quoth. 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 39 

"Hail to the great king, Quetzal; in the world 
Who is as great, — " he puffed, gesticulating 
With eloquence — "the greatest lord of earth!" 
But Qieztli spoke : "Oh king, I fear me now, 
As surfeit honey that the bee has garnered, 
So will the honors that my lord has won 
Surfeit his noble spirit; ah, great king. 
When clouds bend low across the muttering air, 
And spirits speak in whispering hostile winds, 
It is no time for rose-bud, perfumed pleasures." 
"Oho, grim Cheztli, doting age doth lie 
Upon your bitter tongue;" 'twas Tezca spoke, 
"But now be young ; here^ quaff this draught of 

wine; 
I'll warrant that it stir your sluggish joy." 
Smiled then the courtiers, and Tezca, of them all. 
Laughed lightest, joked, and squandered idle 

words. 
Uneasy yet he seemed the time, as one 
That listed for some eagerly waited tidings 
And yet half dreaded lest his wish be won; 
For in his wary eyes gleamed deep a light 
That whispered "Lie" above his laughing tones. 

The feasting o'er at last, then Quetzal bade 
That singing girls appear for dance and song. 
Straightway, and bright with beaded robes and 
slippers. 



40 THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

Forth light they came, as hummingbirds that quiver 
Above a scented meadow ; after walked 
Musicians that them seated by the wall; 
Meanwhile quick slaves flung fragrant roses 

o'er 
The glistening marble ; and the music sounded 
A swaying dance, to which the girls in motion, 
Waving light filmy scarfs , tripped out their 

steps. 

But while looked on the revellers, unseen 

A grim-browed man approached the banquet 

door 
And motioned Tezca ; low within his ear 
He spoke in smothered accents: "Now, my lord, 
Is your will done ; the palace, all surrounded ; 
At the first barest motion of your hand 
A thousand warriors spring within the walls. 
The brutish crew that's set to guard the palace 
Is drunk with pulque, snoring like the swine, 
Ready to be stuck, when you will, my lord." 
He went ; and straightway Tezca to the king 
With smiling countenance approached, and 

bowed. 
And said ''Great sovereign liege, may it please 

your wish, 
I sent a little maid to grace your hall ; 
Of beauteous form, she is, my lord, and sings. 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 4i 

A word he spoke; the flowers about the door 
Softly were brushed aside, as Titla came 
And flung herself with supple grace before 
Quetzal, who lightly smiled and bade her sing. 
So straight she stood, a wreath of snowy orchids 
Set in her raven hair ; while, as she stood, 
The court gazed on in wonder. Beautiful 
She was, but somewhat sad with love. 
As bright her eyes were raised full timidly. 

But as the music tinkled from the strings. 
All ere she sung, from out the palace door 
There came wild uproar, frightful cry and haste, 
.^nd one disordered flung into the room 
His form excited, hoarsely cried *'My lord, 
Oh king, sedition seizes on us!" Dazed, 
The courtiers started vaguely up, as when 
An unseen danger rouses all the pack 
Of sleeping wolves in idle midday peace; 
''Xochitl 'twas," cried out the panting one ; 
"Flamed with wine he went within the garden--- 
I with him— there behind a cactus hedge- 
Behold ! a troop of armed men, dark browed, 
Meditating deep treachery, and blood— 
They saw us, and straightway Xochitl fell 
Transfixed with arrows— there he died within 
My sheltering arms— I'd knelt behind the bushes, 
And so the murderous crew did not pursue us, 
And I in agony am here to tell it." 



42 THE FALL OF TOLLAN . 

He flung his arms out to the Hstening king, 
As one in face of mighty, rending sorrows. 
Quetzal arose; but Tezca waved him back: 
"Some drunken brawl, my lord, have not alarm ;" 
But Titla, springing to the front with fire 
Blazing in every gesture, cried, "My lord, 
'Tis treachery, 'tis treachery, and I 
Will tell it all ; this dastard prince," she pointed 
At Tezca, while the grief and anger choked 
Her wild and half coherent words with tears 
Of rage and horror, "this this serpent prince, 
Hath sworn to slay you all, and I, poor slave, 
Did swear to keep my lips, Xochitl saved, 
For I did love Xochitl ; oh great king, 
Vengeance upon him, for he's slain him, slain 

him !" 
As hot she spoke, the very air was fire. 
And tears, and anguished love, and wild despair. 
But scarcely had the edged words cut through 
The room, when Tezca, flinging off his mien 
Of courtly grace, with eye malicious, cruel. 
Wrenched forth from out his robe a jewelled 

blade 
And stabbed the maiden on the throne's proud 

steps. 
Prone she lay, her broidered robes and hair 
Flowing across the very feet of Quetzal 
And dabbling them with blood. The slayer sprung 
To one wide window, leaped tiie narrow space, 
And vanished shouting in the garden dark. 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 43 

The women screamed^ the dancing girls dis- 
ordered, 
Like some bright flock of radiant birds dis- 
mayed, 
Flew Hmply through the rooms ; but Toca spoke 
Calmly and sagely : "Quick, oh king, this way ; 
The secret passage to the garden, take it; 
Some treachery threatens here; but swift the 

king 
Plucked forth a poniard, called unto his warriors, 
And leaping toward the garden door there saw 
A thousand torches flash and by their light 
Wild Tezca fling his arms and then approach ; 
About him hummed the sound of thronging men. 

A moment's pause uncertain ! Then a stir ! 
Then a wild roar and crash of copper spears, 
And writhed the air with shout and battle 

clash. 
As the mad throng rushed on the palace door. 
And blow on angry blow, mingled with groans 
And cries of victories and shrieks of women. 
Resounded through the hall ; yet Quetzal fought, 
And by him bold stood his depleted band, 
Hoping with prayer for help of that proud host 
That drunk, then slain, lay impotent in death. 
Thus raged the war, the while the moon did run 
Her course across the heavens unto the west. 
And the first rays of roseate eastern light 



44 THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

Shot o'er the ghastly scene and seemed to 
shudder. 

Then Quetzal flung his blade aside and spoke 
To Cheztli close beside: "Defeat stares hard 
Behind the helms of our grim enemies; 
Four warriors live ; the women all are seized ; 
The gods have spoken thus in bitter sign ; 
'Tis high Tonaca's will ; great Tollan's work 
No more is mine ; he raised a reddened hand 
Sternly, as one may bless his enemies ; 
And 'round him shone supernal flaming light 
Of golden radiance with the morning gold, 
That in his tall majestic form he seemed 
Tonaca's self. Amazed recoiled his haters, 
Awed all to silent wonder, and relaxed 
Their hatred fierce. So stood they all in pause ; 
And, as they looked, his rapt eyes seemed to 

gaze 
Across the world to some far blissful land 
And were suffused with sorrow and with pity. 

Then from his neck he loosed the jeweled robe 
Of royal state, and handed it to Tezca, 
And in a simple mantle red with blood 
Stood forth and spoke, the while all silent were: 
*'Mad Tezca, foe of old, wanton and dark, 
I hail you king ; when new-born years were 
young. 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 45 

And the gray world hung in the womb of change, 
Eternal war we swore; yet, for a time, 
While earth doth ripen to a richer fruit 
'Tis yours to lead the blinded folk in rule, 
For so Tonaca wills. He ceased and turned 
To seek his warriors, but they had fled. 
Stern then he strode toward his enemies 
And motioned them, that straight they parted, 

awed 
By some mysterious majesty, and through 
Their midst he slowly walked and through the 

streets 
Into the limitless jungle, and great Tollan 
Saw him no more; and then King Tezca 

reigned. 



yi 

Nine times the sun had lightened o'er the 
world, 
Since Tezca'd donned his royal robes of state ; 
Nine times had over heaven swept the stars, 
As Cheztli, in a dumb despair, read out 
Their signs ; nine times had Quetzal lowly bowed 
At evening gloom before the mysteries 
And silently acknowledged high Tonaca. 
As o'er the sea the tenth time shone the light, 
When from its stormy bed it stirred at dawn, 
Upon the shore beside the muttering waters, 
Stood Quetzal ; and about his faithless four, 
Escaped from Tollan in the wild confusion. 
Repenting of their panic-struck desertion, 
Beside him stood, of the proud warriors all 
That now remained to look with dismal fore- 
sight 
Into the hopeless future's fatal days. 
There Cheztli stood and whispered to himself 
Words of the ancient chronicles of the realm : 
"Within the year when hath the calendar 
Counted three reeds, then shall the spirit high 
That watches over Tollan close its eyes, 
And desolation from her dreadsome haunts 
Will creep with clutching fingers o'er the land, 
Trailing her black robe 'neath the moaning skies ; 
For then into the east, from whence he came, 
Will go the lord of light to Tlallapan 
47 



48 THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

Beyond the sunrise; ToUan then will fall." 
So murmured Cheztli, while the breeze of dawn 
Flung back his snowy locks with hand ungentle, 
Shrieked out in harsh, cold threats above the 

band, 
And flung the sea-salt spray about their feet. 
Beside stood Xayacatl, stern and silent. 
The warrior of action, lacking words 
But grimly waiting for the signs of fate. 
Close by stood other faithful followers two, 
Warriors of Quetzal with undaunted trust. 
Who silently, yet loyal, bowed before 
Their dimly-comprehended, fallen king 
And waited on his word with simple faith. 

For two days had all in the jungle thicket 
Hewed at a massy trunk of sandal wood 
To shape it out with fire and copper axes ; 
And over the canoe they'd stretched the skins 
Of mottled serpents, and upon the prow 
Quetzal had carved the features of the god 
Of morning light, the while around them rang 
The drowsy clamor of wild jungle cries. 
And now upon a bank of sand there lay 
A tiny boat already half become 
A thing of mystery, in which the workmen 
Knew not their hands and wondered at the 
work. 



THE FALL OF TOLLAN 49 

Then, as they stood, to them in accents slow 
Spoke Quetzal, and within his voice there 

sounded 
The sad, mysterious notes of disappointment 
And thwarted will that struggled with its gloom, 
Yet saw in all no light of fair reprieve 
Or aught to fire the spirit of kind hope; 
Yet stern he spoke, though, withal stern, it 

seemed 
An echo of the sea and sighing winds 
That moaned with mighty murmurs to the skies 
And cried aloud with wailing lamentations. 
Thus then sad words: "Mv faithful ones, I've 

striven 
For ten long years in vain, in vain appear 
The bitter fruits of all that careful thought ; 
Now pass I hencCj leaving to you hard fate ; 
This shall it be, to teach the savage tribes 
Tlie arts of knowledge, patient, peaceful virtues, 
That in some day when I am all forgot. 
Mayhap some little fruitful seed of wisdom 
Will spring from all this seeming wasted life 
And grow to noble harvestings of love. 
And one yet greater hope I leave, sweet land, 
For in the year marked in your calendar 
As ce acatl then again I come ; 
And, by the might that great Tonaca gives, 
Will be rebuilded wasted, fallen Tollan, 
And be regathered all her scattered folk, 



50 THE FALL OF TOLLAN 

And be renewed, in wiser, purer days. 

The glory you have seen, but ten-fold grown." 

Then on the calling, clashing breakers' foam 
He launched the serpent-covered boat and drift- 
ed 
Adown the gold horizon to the dawn. 
The while the four upon the shore watched 

silently, 
Till rose the sun, and all the sea was drowned 
In waves of surging light, as warm the day 
Spread o'er the land, and laborers to their toil 
Went joyous out, to plough and reap and sing. 
Lovers made love, and crafty schemers schemed, 
And through the world the bustling, buzzing 

day 
Called unto men to work and Jove and sigh. 



VII 

Thus sang the bards, who further singing 
told 
How Tollan fell; for Tezca, scoffing all 
But careless jovial wit and witty jcy, 
So led the rout, e'en to the drunken year 
When hostile tribes flung down the bronze- 
wrought gates, 
And through the streets strode bloody-robed 

death. 
Then reigned the Nahuatl ; thus, succeeding, 
Did kingdom follow kingdom, till, at last. 
Upon the day of Quetzal's hoped return, 
Came not the Toltec king in ancient splendor ; 
But high-peaked Spanish galleons, flinging 

spray, 
Floated in silken pride across the blue. 
To reign, until the fateful wand of change 
Will wave to herald yet a sturdier race 
To rule the sun-lit land where Tollan lay. 



51 



IMMiiUPiUjiiiii!! 



*Sfiifii 



